2025 Pharmacology Awards honor determination & scientific excellence

The Department of Pharmacology at SIU School of Medicine held its 2025 Awards, celebrating the dedication and scientific achievements of its students and researchers. The annual event highlighted their contributions, which are crucial to maintaining SIU's status as an R1 Top-tier Research University.
Despite current challenges in the national research landscape, Shelley Tischkau, PhD, chair and professor of pharmacology, reaffirmed SIU’s commitment to rigorous, meaningful science.

“Researchers are often expected to work faster, publish more and justify every decision,” she said. “But we choose to build through these challenges, not around them.”

Faculty, staff, students and friends attended the ceremony in the Medical Library. Tischkau presented three awards, each honoring scientists who helped shape the department's culture and standards.

Hemal Vakharia Memorial Award

SIU Medicine established the Hemal Vakharia Memorial Award in memory of Hemal Vakharia, a high school student who passed away in 1992. This award recognizes outstanding research by high school, undergraduate or graduate students.

PhD candidate Rajaram Kshetri was the 2025 recipient. He was honored for his persistent and scientifically rigorous research on autism. Faculty noted his determination despite early setbacks and his intellectual curiosity as qualities that embody the values at SIU.

Barbara Armor and Marcus Randall Memorial Award

The second award commemorates Barbara Armor and Marcus Randall, two long-standing SIU research staff members whose mentorship and technical skills were instrumental in defining laboratory excellence at SIU. The award recognizes the contributions of research professionals and postdoctoral fellows.

This year, Somaja Louis, a member of the Faingold Lab, received the award for her refinement of complex protocols and contributions to epilepsy research.

Satu Somani Memorial Award

Ireland Smith, a third-year medical student, received the 2025 Satu Somani Memorial Award for her essay analyzing pharmaceutical advertising. The award honors Dr. Satu Somani, a founding faculty member remembered for his ethical leadership and dedication to student learning.

Smith’s work focused on the messaging around a CDK4/6 inhibitor for metastatic breast cancer, a class of drugs that target enzymes involved in cell division. Reviewers praised her clear, balanced critique, which addressed both clinical realities and patient experience.

As the ceremony concluded, Tischkau emphasized that these recognitions serve not only to celebrate individual accomplishments but also to carry forward the department’s legacy of thoughtful, rigorous science.